Wanda Mae Turner

Wanda Mae Turner, 89, Oregon, MO passed away July 13, 2019 in her home surrounded by her children. She was born on November 15, 1929, in Lawton, Iowa. She was one of five children born to Doyle Marche Elder and Mozelle Agnes Milborn Elder.

Wanda met her husband, a returning soldier, while working at Elder Station. She married Dean Deforrest Turner on September 12, 1948. Dean and Wanda were married for 57 years. They made their home in Oregon and raised four children, Barbara Tansey (Tom), Dean “Scott” Turner, Bruce Turner (Debbie) and Joan House (Doug).

Having been born during the Great Depression and growing up during the ensuing years, Wanda learned to sew out of necessity which led to her lifelong career as a seamstress. She was well-known throughout Holt County and surrounding communities for making bridal wear, prom dresses, equine trick riding attire, costumes, custom designed ladies and children’s wear, and alterations. Many will remember her from the hundreds of patches and medals that she sewed on lettermen’s jackets.

Wanda also found time for three other hobbies which played a major role in her life. When she and her husband, Dean, purchased the Bridgeman House and grounds, she put her gardening skills to work to restore the grounds to their early 1900’s origin. During quieter times she shared her watercolor skills with her family and friends. She painted many homes, barns and historic structures for area residents. During her latter years, she enjoyed making new friends at the community dances which she loved. In fact, she danced until only seven months before her death.

Wanda was also a member of the Methodist Church and The Homemakers Club. For many years, she chaired various committees for the Holt County Autumn Festival.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, baby Doyle and J.T.; a sister, Mary Schank; a son, Dean Scott Turner; and a grandson, Daniel Dean Turner.

She is survived by a sister, Nina George; her children, Barbara Tansey (Tom), Bruce Turner (Debbie) and Joan House (Doug); seven grandchildren, Tiger Parsons (Tami), Brandon Parsons (Teri), Travis Turner (Colette), Sara Turner-Tyson (Drew), Cody Turner, Ian McGlade, and Andy House; 14 great grandchildren; and rescue kitty Maxwell.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of her life to be conducted on Thursday morning, July 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in her former garden at 502 West Pine in Oregon.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Chamberlain Funeral Home in Oregon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Maple Grove Cemetery Tree Fund c/o Chamberlain Funeral Home, P.O. 408, Oregon, MO 64473.